Are you having a hard time picking music for your wedding Mass? While I don't have a list of recommended songs, I can recommend someone who can help you.
St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians. Many musicians, from her era up to today, cite her as an influence and have dedicated songs, even complete albums, to her. Countless poems have been written for her as well. Clearly, she provides us with creative inspiration; a muse of the saints, perhaps.
She was married at a young age to Valerian, and at that time, she experienced a heavenly gift in the form of music in her heart, and sang along. To this day, she is the patron saint of music.
On their wedding night, she made a wager of sorts with Valerian. When it came time to consummate the marriage, she explained that there was an angel protecting her purity, and a fearless protector at that! When Valerian asked her for proof , they struck a deal: If he converts and becomes her fearless protector as well, he will see the angel.
She sent him to see Pope Urbanus at the third milestone on the Appian Way. The pope baptized him and Valerius returned home to his bride. As you probably already guessed, the angel appeared! Valerius arrived at their home to find Cecilia praying, and above her head was an angel holding two crowns made of lilies and roses. The couple was crowned and in, a sense, their marriage was consummated at that moment. For the rest of her days, Valerian stayed true to his word and was the guardian of her heart.
As you pore over your many wedding music choices, invoke the help of this powerful saint. Listen closely; St. Cecilia, the Muse of the saints, will bring divine inspiration to you.
Her feast day is November 22. November is also especially significant for me this year in particular. Of course, because of my monthly saint project, November is ushered in by the high holiday for the year, All Saints' Day. As my Year of the Saints draws to a close, I start to cling to each saint's story a little more. After November, there's just one more saint to discover.
